FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Will a cell phone work on the WCT?
Yes. We've found that half our phones work half the time. You don't need a marine radio. Personal walkie-talkies might be enough.
More hikers are bringing a phone these days to report injuries & medical emergencies. This may be a comfort to some, but on the WCT it is still difficult to be evacuated even if you have a phone.
If you do use a phone on the WCT use it discreetly — many hikers are here to get a week away from their phones.
To report serious emergencies or hazards call:
- 250 726-8035 24-hour emergency (Long Beach)
- 250 728-3234 (Pachena Bay Reservation Office)
- 250 647-5444 (Port Renfrew)
- 250 647-5434 (Gordon River Reservation Office)
Don't call 911. If cell phone telephone reception is a problem, try calling from the beach.
If you have a marine radio, call on channel 16. This should connect you to USA Coast Guard who will contact the Canadian Park Wardens.
This will be explained at hike Orientation. Every hiker gets an Evacuation Information Form which includes these phone numbers & details.
Should I bring a GPS?
No, you don’t need one on the WCT. There’s almost no chance you could get lost & no need to give specific coordinates for rescue.
On the other hand, hiker John Gordon pointed out that a GPS can track altitude, longitude, and latitude allowing later graphing and analysis on a computer when you get home. Very handy to show the map of your very footsteps and times between those footsteps to your friends & family.
Some hints: bring extra batteries (possibly a solar recharger too?) and set the GPS to battery saver mode.
Mark waypoints when you take photos or find interesting formations, showers, the restaurants, good fishing, etc. so future hikers can download your waypoints into their own GPS before their hike begins.
new If you want it, TrailPeak.com has posted GPS data.
What special gear should I bring on the WCT?
Included in our recommended gear checklist, these items are especially valuable on the Nootka:
- wristwatch (for the tides)
- large pack (85 litres or more) & extra-large pack cover.
- full-size First Aid kit (it’s a long way to medical attention)
- our heavy duty First Aid kit is listed on our gear checklist here
- personal medication information for each hiker
- personal health care insurance information for each hiker
- small binoculars or monocular (for whale watching, bird identification, etc.)
- emergency contact phone numbers
- (cell phone)
- quick-dry clothing
- biodegradable soap (e.g. Sea Suds)
- clothes line & clothes pegs
- light durable gloves (useful when scrambling & on cable cars)
- tarp(s) & plenty of tie-downs for high wind
- water filter
- rope(s) 15 m (yards) long
- waterproof wrist watch for checking tide tables
- extra zip lock bags
- disinfectant alcohol gel
We strongly recommend disinfectant gel (sometimes called instant hand sanitizer) which you use to clean your hands before snack breaks & after toilet stops in the woods. Alcohol gel is essential hiking gear.
Double-bag everything you want to keep dry. Expect a very wet environment.
Dry gear when the sun appears.
